1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cholesterol

Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40, April, 2015
DOI Number: 10.5958/2277-3371.2015.00003.0
3
Prognostic tests for uterine torsion
affected buffaloes
Kamlesh Jeengar1*, Govind Narayan Purohit2, Jitendra
Singh Mehta2, Vikas Choudhary3, Ashutosh Tripathi4
Veterinary Officer, T.M.V.U., Suwana, District Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India.
Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal
Science, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India.
3
Agriculture Finance Officer, Central Bank of India, Allot, Indore, India.
1
2,4
*Corresponding author - [email protected]
Abstract
Twenty-five female buffaloes suffering from uterine torsion were presented to the
clinic of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, CVAS, Bikaner for treatment.
Three times blood samples were obtained from 25 buffaloes with uterine torsion
(at the time of presentation of the animal, 1 h and 24 h after fetal delivery) and 5
healthy buffaloes to investigate the relationship between concentrations of SGOT
(serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic
transaminase), Bilirubin, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The
aim of this study was to investigate related alterations in these blood constituents.
There were significant (P < 0.01) increases in SGOT, SGPT, Bilirubin, serum
creatinine and BUN in the affected buffaloes, possibly due to high uterine tissue
damage. It may be inferred that torsion may lead to imbalance in biochemical
profiles that affect the proper functioning of the uterine musculature. Buffaloes
subjected to uterine torsion are associated with hepatic and renal dysfunction.
In conclusion, concentration of above parameters can be used as a prognostic
indicator for the occurrence of uterine torsion in buffaloes.
Keywords: SGOT, SGPT, Bilirubin, Creatinine, BUN
Uterine torsion occurs in a pregnant uterine horn and is defined as the twisting of
the uterus on its longitudinal axis (Purohit et al., 2011a). It is a major condition
affecting buffaloes during late pregnancy (Foud and El-Sawaf , 1964; Verma et al.,
Jeengar et al.
1974; Gupta et al., 1981) and it has been reported as a serious cause of dystocia in
buffaloes (Murty et al., 1999; Nanda et al., 2003; Amin et al., 2011), threatening
the lives of both fetus and dam. Torsion of the uterus reportedly constitutes about
53-83% of the dystocia in buffaloes presented at the referral hospitals (Vasishta,
1983; Malhotra, 1990; Singh, 1991; Prabhakar et al., 1994; Purohit and Mehta,
2006; Srinivas et al., 2007; Purohit et al., 2011a; Purohit et al 2011b; Purohit et
al., 2012).
A diverse list of contributing causes has been proposed, including the anatomy,
slipping, the manner in which the animal rises, and the strong movements of the
fetus during the first stage of labor (Roberts, 1986; Kolla et al., 1999; Noakes et
al., 2009). Factors such as duration of the condition and severity of the torsion
have been suggested as determinants of the outcome (Frazer et al., 1996; Amer et
al., 2008; Amin et al., 2011).
When physical examination fails to yield a diagnosis or prognosis in difficult
cases, blood analysis may help to identify the problem. Biochemical parameters
can exclude some diseases, and if there are abnormalities, they might aid in
establishing a prognosis and developing a therapeutic plan (Amer et al., 2008;
Hussein and Abd Ellah, 2008; Amin et al., 2011). The aim of this study was to
investigate alterations in blood parameters.
Materials and Methods
Clinical examination
The present investigation was conducted on 25 buffaloes presented with uterine
torsion at Clinics of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, CVAS, Bikaner with
a history of dystocia or due to a general medical problem like colic, straining
or reduced food intake. Clinical examination included transvaginal followed by
transrectal examination of buffaloes to determine the torsion.
Five normal parturient buffaloes presented at the Clinic of Veterinary Gynaecology
and Obstetrics, CVAS, Bikaner, were included as control.
Blood analysis
Blood was collected in sterile test tubes from buffaloes with uterine torsion (n=25)
at the time of presentation and 1 hr and 24 hr after fetal delivery. Serum was
separated and stored at -20° C till further assay. Blood was also collected from
normal parturient buffaloes (n=5) immediately after parturition and separated
34
Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40. April, 2015
Prognostic tests for uterine torsion affected buffaloes
serum was stored at -20° C till further assay. Serum activities of GOT, GPT,
bilirubin, creatinine and BUN were analysed using Kinetic UV test employing
commercially available test kits (Precision Biotech, India)
Statistical analysis
Data were collected, arranged, summarized and then statistically analyzed.
Analysis included mean values, standard error and analysis of variance (ANOVA)
using F-test. The data were analysed using conventional statistical procedures as
described by Snedecor and Cocharan, (1989). Data are presented as Mean ± SE.
Result and Discussion
Table 1: Mean values of Liver and Renal function parameters in the serum of
torsion affected and normal parturient buffaloes (Mean ± S.E.)
Parameters
Normal
parturient
buffaloes
(Control)
(n=5)
Torsion affected buffaloes (n=25)
At presentation
I hr after
24 hr after
fetal delivery fetal delivery
SGOT
(U/L)
63.73 ± 0.54a 87.86 ± 1.19c 82.67 ± 1.25b 79.71 ± 1.35b
Liver
SGPT
function test (U/L)
35.49 ± 0.69a 45.33 ± 0.71c 41.12 ± 0.92b 38.53 ± 1.06a
Bilirubin
(mg/dl)
Renal
function test
0.92 ± 0.08a
1.93 ± 0.14b
1.59 ± 0.12b
1.21 ± 0.12a
Creatinine
0.94 ± 0.01a
(mg/dl)
2.73 ± 0.26c
1.59 ± 0.1b
1.48 ± 0.06ab
BUN (mg/
18.38 ± 0.74a 28.02 ± 1.57c 25.01 ± 1.18bc 21.63 ± 1.32ab
dl)
Mean values within the same row with different superscriptions are significantly different
(P<0.01)
The evaluation of liver and renal function tests performed on blood collected from
buffaloes with uterine torsion (n=25) and normal parturient buffaloes (n=5) are
presented in the table. The liver and kidney function parameters were significantly
higher than the normal buffaloes and they gradually decreased and were found to
be normal after detorsion and fetal delivery.
Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40. April, 2015
35
Jeengar et al.
Normal parturition in bovines has negligible influence on the plasma enzymes
(Schonfelder et al., 2007; Hussein and Abd Ellah, 2008). SGOT, SGPT and
Billirubin were recommended as part of a metabolic profile test to monitor the
health status of the liver (Mullen, 1976; Bouda et al., 1980; Lotthammer, 1982;
Pearson, 1990).
In the present study, SGOT levels were found elevated at the time of presentation
of buffaloes with uterine torsion (87.86 ± 1.19 U/L) compared to normal parturient
buffaloes (63.73 ± 0.54 U/L). Similar elevated level of SGOT was also seen
in previous findings in uterine torsion cases (Pattabiraman and Pandit, 1980;
Prabhakaran et al., 2006; Singh et al., 2006; Schonfelder et al., 2007; Hussein and
Abd Ellah, 2008; Amin et al., 2011). Significant increases in SGOT activities may
be attributed to muscle exhaustion produced by strong abdominal contractions
due to uterine torsion (Hussein and Abd Ellah, 2008) and are often a reflection of
cellular destruction or diseases (Oliveira et al., 1998; Hoeben et al., 2000). Great
muscular effort or damage results in leakage of such enzymes due to necrosis or
damage of uterine cells (Coles, 1986; Malik, 1986; Kraft and Dürr, 2005). SGOT
level decreased 24 hr after fetal delivery (79.71 ± 1.35 U/L). Similar findings were
seen in previous studies (Singla et al., 1992; Amer et al., 2008). It was indicated
that uterine torsion affects the liver of the animal due to endotoxins resulting from
muscle damage (Farrag et al., 1984).
In the present study, SGPT levels were found elevated at the time of presentation
of uterine torsion affected buffaloes (45.33 ± 0.71U/L) compared to normal
parturient buffaloes (35.49 ± 0.69 U/L). Similar elevated levels of SGPT were
also seen in previous findings in uterine torsion cases (Bostedt, 1973; Singla et
al., 1992). Uterine hypoxia and increased release of catecholamines from the
adrenal medulla associated with uterine torsion and its stress could be responsible
for the significantly higher levels of SGPT, noticed in torsion affected buffaloes
as compared to normal parturient buffaloes. This is also encountered in other
stressful conditions causing the release of catecholamines from adrenal medulla
(Altland and Highman, 1961) and tissue hypoxia which have been demonstrated
to be responsible for increased circulating level of SGPT by increasing the
permeability of cell membrane (Highman et al., 1959; Highman and Altland,
1960). SGPT values decreased subsequently and found normal after 24 hr of fetal
delivery (38.53 ± 1.06 U/L) which supports the previous findings (Prabhakaran
et al., 2006; Singh et al., 2009). Results of the present study showed that there
were elevated concentration of total serum billirubin in uterine torsion affected
buffaloes (1.93 ± 0.14 mg/dl) compared to normal parturient buffaloes (0.92 ±
0.08 mg/dl). The possible causes may be attributed to stress on animals which
36
Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40. April, 2015
Prognostic tests for uterine torsion affected buffaloes
influenced the concentration of bilirubin in serum. Bilirubin level decreased
subsequently in serum and found normal after 24 hr of fetal delivery (1.21 ± 0.12
mg/dl). Similar findings were seen in previous studies (Schonfelder et al., 2007;
Hussein and Abd Ellah, 2008).
The results of the present study showed that there were increased concentrations
of serum creatinine in buffaloes with uterine torsion (2.73 ± 0.26 mg/dl) compared
to normal parturient buffaloes (0.94 ± 0.01 mg/dl). Serum creatinine subsequently
decreased after fetal delivery and found to near normal level after 24 hr of fetal
delivery (1.48 ± 0.06 mg/dl). The present result supports the previous findings
(Amer et al., 2008; Singh et al., 2009; Swelum et al., 2012). The increased levels
of serum creatinine could be related to stress conditions exerted on the affected
buffaloes with concomitantly reduced blood flow to the kidneys and reproductive
tract. At the same time, these results might be attributed to nephropathy resulting
from toxic substances liberated from the dead fetus in some cases of uterine torsion
(Arthur et al., 1989).
Increased concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in uterine torsion affected
buffaloes (28.02 ± 1.57 mg/dl) compared to normal parturient buffaloes (18.38 ±
0.74 mg/dl) were recorded during the present study which decreased 24 hr after
fetal delivery (21.63 ± 1.32 mg/dl) similar findings have been previously recorded
in cattle and buffaloes (Deosi and Dhaliwal, 2004; Schonfelder et al., 2007; Amer
et al., 2008; Singh et al., 2009). The increased levels of BUN, in uterine torsion
affected buffaloes, could be related to dehydration status, stress condition exerted
on the affected buffaloes with concomitantly reduced blood flow to kidneys, and
nephropathy resulted from toxic substances liberated from dead fetuses (Payne,
1987). In addition, it has been recorded that an elevation of BUN and creatinine
might be due to concomitant breakdown of tissues during gluconeogenesis under
effect of increased cortisol level (Payne, 1987).
Conclusion
Uterine torsion can cause serious outcomes in buffaloes. It seems that buffalo
subjected to uterine torsion are associated with hepatic and renal dysfunction. The
level of SGOT, SGPT, Bilirubin, Serum Creatinine and BUN can be used as an
indicator for occurrence and prognosis of mechanical treatment of uterine torsion
in buffaloes.
References
Altland P. and Highman B. 1961. Effects of exercise on serum enzyme values and tissues
of rats. Am. J. Physiol. 201:393-395.
Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40. April, 2015
37
Jeengar et al.
Amer HA, Hashem MA and Badr A 2008. Uterine Twisting During Pregnancy in Buffaloes:
Relationship between clinical findings and biochemical indices. Applied Biol. Sci. 2:31.
Amin SM, Amer HA, Hussein AE and Hazzaa AM. 2011. Creatine phosphokinase and
aspartate aminotransverase profiles and its relation to the severity of uterine torsion in
Egyptian buffalo. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 123:163-168.
Arthur GH, Noakes DE and Pearson H 1989. Maternal dystocia: treatment. Fetal dystocia:
aetiology and incidence. The caesarean operation. In: Arthur GH, Noakes DE, Pearson
H (ed), Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics (Theriogenology). London: Bailliere
Tindall, 195-310.
Bostedt H. 1973. Blood serum analysis in cows with paresis. II serum enzymes. Berliner
und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift., 86 Heft 20, 387-392 (Vet. Bull. 44: Abstr.
1797).
Bouda J, Dvorak V, Minksova E and Dvorak R. 1980. The activities of glutamic oxalacetic
transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma of
cows and their calves fed from buckets. Acta. Vet. Borno. 49:193–198.
Coles EH 1986. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 4th ed. Saunders Comp, Philadelphia,
London, Toronto.
Deosi HS and Dhaliwal GS. 2004. Physico-biochemical characteristics of fetal fluids in
uterine torsion affected buffaloes. Indian J. Anim. Reprod. 25: 97-100.
Farrag AA, Salem TA, Gomaa A and Matez AM. 1984. Studies on serum enzymatic
activities and blood picture in relation to uterine involution in cow and buffaloes.
Assuit. Vet. Med. J. 12: 219.
Foud K and El-Sawaf S. 1964. Some observations on torsio-uteri in buffaloes with special
reference to its etiological factors. Vet. Med. J. Giza. 9:173-177.
Frazer GS, Perkins NR and Constable PD. 1996. Bovine Uterine Torsion : 164 Hospital
Referral Cases. Theriogenology. 46:739-756.
Gupta RC, Sharma AK, Verma SK, Khar SK and Datt SC. 1981. Studies on various
reproductive disorders in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). A clinical review. Philip. J. Vet.
Med. 20: 133-144.
Highman B, Malling HM and Thompson EC 1959. Serum transaminase and alkaline
phosphotase levels after large doses of nor-epinephrine and epinephrine in dogs. Am. J.
Physiol. 196: 436-440.
Highman B and Altland PD 1960. Serum enzymes rise after hypoxia and effect of autonomic
blockade. Am. J. Physiol. 199:981-986.
Hoeben D, Monfardini E, Opsomer G and Beckers JF. 2000. Chemiluminescence of
bovine polymorphonuclear leucocytes during the periparturient period and relation with
metabolic markers and bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein. J. Dairy Res. 67:
249–259.
Hussein H and Abd Ellah MR 2008. Effects of dystocia, fetotomy and caesarian sections on
the liver enzymes activities and concentrations of some serum biochemical parameters
38
Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40. April, 2015
Prognostic tests for uterine torsion affected buffaloes
in dairy cattle. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 105: 384–391.
Kolla K Murthy, Prasad V and Radha Krishna Murthy P. 1999. Clinical observations on
uterine torsion in buffaloes. Indian Vet. J. 76: 643–645.
Kraft W and Dürr U. 2005. Clinical laboratory diagnostics in veterinary medicine Aufl.
Schattauer, Stuttgart, New York., 6.
Lotthammer KH 1982. Level of some blood parameters as indicators for liver disordertheir causes, relations to fertility and possibilities to prevent fertility problems. Proc.
XII World Cong. Dis. Cattle. 1: 527-532.
Malhotra P. 1990. ‘Some studies on the cervical changes in the uterine torsion cases with
special reference to cervical filtration in buffaloes.’ M.V.Sc. Thesis, Punjab Agriculture
University, Ludhiana, India.
Malik JS. 1986. Histochemical and histopathological studies on uterine torsion inn
buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). MVSc. Thesis. Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.
Mullen PA 1976. The diagnosis of liver dysfunction in farm animals and horses. Indian J.
Anim. Sci. 66: 681-684.
Murty KK, Prasad V and Murty PR. 1999. Clinical observations on uterine torsion in
buffaloes. Indian Vet. J. 76:643-645.
Nanda AS, Brar PS and Prabhakar S. 2003. Enhancing reproductive performance in dairy
buffalo: major constraints and achievements. Reprod. 61:27-36.
Noakes DE, Parkinson TJ and England GCW. 2009. Veterinary Reproduction and
Obstetrics, 9th ed. W.B. Saunders Company.
Oliveira MA, Lima PF and Paes Barreto MB. 1998. Use of AST, total bilirubin and total
cholesterol as parameters for the early diagnosis of puerperal disorders in dairy cows.
Cienc. Vet. Nostro. 1:55–59.
Pattabiraman SR and Pandit RK 1980. Studies on haematological and biochemical
constituents in blood of buffaloes with uterine torsion. Cherion. 9:338–340.
Payne JM. 1987. The Metabolic Profile Test. Latimer, Trendand Co., LTD., Plymonth
Pearson EG. 1990. Diseases of the hepatobiliary system. In: Smith BP (Ed.), Large Animal
Internal Medicine. The C V Mosby Co., St. Louis, p. 837.
Prabhakar S, Singh P, Nanda AS, Sharma RD and Singh P. 1994. Clinico-obstetrical
observations on uterine torsion in bovines. Indian Vet J. 71: 822–824.
Prabhakaran S, Naidu KS, Naidu KV and Sreenu M. 2006. Changes in haematological
and bio-chemical constituents in buffaloes suffering from dystocia. Indian Vet. J. 83:
1331-1332.
Purohit GN and Mehta JS 2006. Dystocia in cattle and buffaloes - a retrospective analysis
of 156 cases. Vet. Pract. 7: 31-34.
Purohit GN, Barolia Y, Shekher C and Kumar P. 2011a. Maternal Dystocia in cows and
buffaloes: A review. Open J. Anim. Sci. 1: 41-53.
Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40. April, 2015
39
Jeengar et al.
Purohit GN, Barolia Y, Shekhar C and Kumar P (2011b). Diagnosis and correction of
uterine torsion in cattle and buffaloes. Raksha Techn Rev. 1: 11-17.
Purohit GN, Kumar P, Solanki K, Shekher C and Yadav SP. 2012. Perspectives of fetal
dystocia in cattle and buffalo. Vet. Sci. Dev. 2:31-42.
Roberts SJ. 1986. Diseases and accidents during the gestation period. Diagnosis and
treatment of the various types of dystocia. Injuries and diseases of the puerperal period.
In: Roberts SJ (ed), Veterinary Obstetrics and Genital Diseases (Theriogenology).
Woodstock, VT: S.J. Roberts; 230-359.
Schonfelder A, Furll M and Richter A. 2007. Enzyme activities and substrate concentrations
in blood plasma of bovines with surgically treated uterine torsion intra partum. Tierarztl.
Praxis. 35: 101-110.
Singh M. 1991. ‘Studies on changes in blood and ruminal functions in buffaloes with
dystocia.’ Thesis, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, India.
Singh AK, Brar PS, Singla VK, Gandotra VK, Nayyar Shashi and Jindal Rajesh. 2009.
Effect of handling different types of dystocia on minerals and biochemical profiles in
dairy buffaloes. Vet. Pract., 10: 116-121.
Singla VK, Sharma RD and Gandotora VK. 1992. Changes in certain serum biochemical
constituents in buffaloes with uterine torsion. Indian Vet. J. 69: 805–807.
Snedecor GW and Cochran WG. 1989. Statistical Methods, Eighth Edition, Iowa State
University Press.
Srinivas M, Sreenu M, Lakshmi Rani N, Subramanyam Naidu K and Devi Prasad V 2007.
Studies on dystocia in graded murrah buffaloes: a retrospective study. Buffalo Bull. 26:
40–45.
Swelum AA, Amin SE, Eidaroos AS and Hazzaa AM 2012. Prognosis prediction of uterine
torsion mechanical treatment (rolling) after estimation of calcium and creatinine level
in the serum of buffaloes (bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology. 78 :1048–1055.
Vasishta, N.K. 1983. ‘Torsion of uterus in buffaloes in relation to incidence, etiology and
treatment.’ M.V.Sc. Thesis, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, India.
Verma, S.K, Tyagi, RPS and Murli Manohar, 1974. Caesarian section in bovine- a clinical
study. Indian Vet. J. 51: 471-480.
40
Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 33-40. April, 2015